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December 2018
 ODOT is reminding motorists this holiday season about the dangers of driving under the influence, which includes alcohol and other impairing drugs, such as marijuana. Impaired driving is completely preventable – all it takes is a little planning ahead of time. Marijuana affects reaction time, short-term memory, hand-eye coordination, concentration and perception of time and distance – all of which are vital functions for driving safely. Combining alcohol with marijuana is even more dangerous, multiplying the adverse effects on a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Law enforcement will be doing extra patrols throughout Oregon for safety and will be looking for drivers impaired by any substance, legal or illegal. The following tips will help keep the holidays safe and happy:
- Even one drink can your impair judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for DUII, or worse, the risk of having a crash.
- If you will be drinking alcohol or using other drugs, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
- If you have been drinking or using drugs that may impair your driving ability, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
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Are You Winter Ready?
In Oregon, we know life doesn’t stop just because it’s raining or snowing, but there are things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe when we’re out and about. Visit our Winter Driving Tips website and click on the “Winter Driving Guide” to check your vehicle and supplies. Check road conditions on your route before you go at TripCheck.com or 511 so you arrive safely at your destination!
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 New Vehicle Safety Features
National Safety Council and AAA recently shared a report explaining how to avoid misuse of new advanced driver assistance systems such as backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. For example, blind spot monitoring systems may fail to detect motorcyclists, bicyclists, or humans and may also be inactive at different speeds. Remember to always look over your shoulder and in your mirrors as you back up, change lanes, or make a turn.
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If You Love Them Enough
It is critical that children ride in the right car seat or booster seat for their age and size every trip, every time, and children under 13 years of age are always correctly buckled up in the back seat. Parents will do anything for the love of their children. Keep your child safe by making certain you know which seat is the right seat. And watch NHTSA's new video PSA "If You Love Them Enough."
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No Small Decision
Used vehicle recommendations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety help parents choose safer, larger vehicles for teen drivers. IIHS is releasing an updated list of recommended used vehicles for teen drivers. The list is broken down by size and price. All vehicles are required to have standard electronic stability control and do well in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests. Small cars are excluded. The list is further narrowed by eliminating vehicles with a history of substantially higher insurance claim rates for injury. The report includes crash test results demonstrating why parents should avoid putting their teens in small cars.
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Resources
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